Five days ago, we tried a new approach to spam.

It didn't work as intended.

In short, we created a one click link to tag posts with the community tag #spam in the global feed. New users also filtered #spam by default.

The intention was to leverage existing behavior to more easily send spam posts into the abyss. The effect was that we codified the community spam tag as the principle means to avoid spammy posts, and made moderation less individual. The spam tag became more powerful, and its application more controversial.

Today we are trying a different approach that we feel is more aligned with the nature of Hubski and its characteristic individual moderation.

In the global feed, you can now find a 'filter' link on posts. Clicking this link will filter the user, removing their posts from your feeds.

We have long used filter as one signal to bring spammers to our attention, and will continue to do so. Thus, filtering a spammy account does help remove spammers from Hubski. However, unlike the #spam community tag, it does not have an immediate effect upon everyone else.

You can still community tag posts with #spam. However, like with other community tags, you will have to open the post first to do so.

As always feedback is welcome.